England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining the club. “I love playing here and I feel my game has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under immense pressure, delivering the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required during their 4-1 series defeat.
| Competition | Performance |
|---|---|
| Test debut (Ireland, 2023) | Established international credentials |
| Ashes series (Australia, 2025-26) | 18 wickets in three matches, including maiden five-wicket haul |
| Boxing Day Test (MCG) | First five-wicket haul; England’s only series victory |
| Career record (nine Tests) | 49 wickets at international level |
Moores endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations